Community Relations Capability Maturity Model (CMM)

This document provides a model that can be used to measure an organization’s community relations process capability.

The capability maturity model describes a maturity curve on these capability levels: INITIAL, which describes a poorly aligned function with non-documented strategies, manual management processes, lack of integrated systems and heavy reliance on spreadsheets/manual documents; REPEATABLE, which describes a loosely aligned function supported by informal policies applied to processes performed by personnel with mixed skill levels; DEFINED, which describes a strategic management structure in place with well-defined processes supported by an organized and highly trained team; MANAGED, which describes a function aligned with the organizational strategic plan and personnel; and OPTIMIZED, which describes a management process performed at an optimal level with best practices in full use.

An organization with an OPTIMIZED community relations process deploys strategically aligned project, construction, operations and regulatory departments; integrates its community relations and development framework with strategic plans; has well-documented and communicated policies; and constantly evaluates strategies.

The capability maturity model is a framework that describes an improvement path from an ad hoc, immature process to a mature, disciplined process focused on continuous improvement. The CMM defines the state of a process using a common language that is based on the Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute Capability Maturity Model.